Summary: <p>Let's talk about salt sensitivity and the dangers of consuming too much salt.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Consuming too much sodium can lead to certain health problems, including: </p> <p> • Heart disease </p> <p> • High blood pressure </p> <p> • Stroke </p> <p> • Edema</p> <p> • Increased mortality</p> <p><br></p> <p>The body tends to hold sodium when a person has a potassium deficiency. You can even have salt sensitivity, which causes you to retain sodium and water. But, again, this could be caused by a potassium deficiency. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Sodium and potassium work together in the body. The daily requirements for sodium are 2300 mg, but the daily requirements for potassium are 4700 mg. You really need twice as much potassium as sodium.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Many people aren't consuming enough potassium in their diet but consume a lot of sodium. A genetic problem can also cause some people to be salt sensitive. </p> <p><br></p> <p>I believe one of the best things you can do for salt sensitivity is to increase your potassium. I don't think a low-salt diet is the answer. You don't want to end up having a potassium deficiency and a sodium deficiency. </p> <p><br></p> <p>You need sodium and potassium to support the body in many different ways. If you're deficient in these key electrolytes, you could experience arrhythmias, fatigue, and weakness. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Overall, you need sodium, but you need a lot more potassium. </p>
